Northwoods Counties Call for Federal Health Dollars

Several Northwoods Counties are amongst those hoping to negotiate directly with the federal government for low-income health care dollars.

Governor Scott Walker previously turned down the expansion of federal Medicaid dollars as part of the Affordable Care Act.

County boards from thirteen counties passed resolutions earlier this year supporting legislation requiring the state take the money. This includes Marathon, Oneida and Lincoln Counties. Lincoln County’s measure passed back in May.

Now supervisors from 20 counties here in Wisconsin are hoping the state will allow them to reach a deal to receive that money. In a letter to Department of Health Secretary Kitty Rhoades, they note the 100% federal match rate initially, and the ability to opt out if it becomes unfeasible financially.

A similar waiver in Cuyahoga County, Ohio was allowed, which the letter also points out.